Update on Natural Resources Wales' visitor centres

National Resources Wales and Diogel Events are working to provide wardens on site at Dyfi National Nature Reserve to protect Ringed Plover enclosures.

Through to the end of the Ringed Plover breeding season, wardens will be on site during busy periods such as school holidays and weekends and up to two days during the week.

During these times they will be:

• Putting up temporary sections of the breeding enclosures that extend down the beach between high tides.

• Ensuring visitors do not enter the enclosures.

• Reminding visitors with dogs to keep them on leads near to these areas.

• Answering any questions people may have with regards the Ringed Plovers.

• Recording observations of Ringed Plovers.

We ask all visitors to be respectful of this important conservation work to maintain a sustainable breeding population of this red listed species.

NRW will be monitoring the effectiveness of this arrangement throughout the season with respect to breeding success of the plovers.

Between 2021 to 2023 the number of successful plover pairs was 6 to 7 pairs, whereas last year was four, which is thought to be due to poorer weather and an increase in predation following a dramatic decline of the rabbit (a key prey item for some predators) population due to myxomatosis.

A beverage and cold food concession is now operating at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is working with Y Consti, part of the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway charity, to provide a unit selling beverages and cold food.

Elsie Grace, NRW’s Head of Sustainable Commercial Development, said:

“We would like to welcome Y Consti to Bwlch Nant yr Arian and look forward to working with them over the coming year.

“Y Consti aligns with our values and principles to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

“We are now focused on the process to find partners to register an interest in providing longer-term services at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin.

“We are finalising how and when we will go to market for these opportunities and we hope to communicate more information soon.”

The unit will be open 10am to 5pm, six days per week, from the beginning of Easter to the end of the autumn half term holidays and from 10am to 4pm, five days per week at other times of the year.

It will be open every weekend and all bank holidays.

The Y Consti brand also runs a cafeteria and evening restaurant in Aberystwyth.

Alun Davies, general manager of Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, said:  

“We are pleased to be working with NRW to provide drinks and cold food for visitors to Bwlch Nant yr Arian, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in catering.

“We will be using sustainably sourced food, compostable single use products and will avoid using pre plastic wrapped products where possible.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, having recently installed solar panels at our restaurant.

“We will also promote and use Welsh produce, such as milk, butter, bread, cakes and healthy snacks.”

All paths, trails, car park, play area and toilet facilities at Bwlch Nant yr Arian remain open and you can find out more on the website.

We fully respect your right to protest and are happy to accommodate the event, we kindly ask you adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety of all involved, for staff and visitors.

Protest Location: Please ensure that the flow of traffic to the site is not obstructed.

Building Access: While you are of course welcome to enter the Visitor Centre building, protests inside the building are not permitted. Additionally, we may refuse entry if the building reaches its capacity under fire safety codes.

Approaching Visitors: We request that you refrain from approaching general visitors inside the building to maintain a respectful environment for all guests.

Staff Interaction: Please avoid any actions that could be upsetting for our staff.

Police Notification: If you anticipate more than 150 people attending, please notify the police in advance

Liability: You will be held liable for any damage or injury caused during the event, including harm to cars, individuals, or pets on the premises.

Site Respect: Kindly ensure that the site is respected, and any litter generated during the protest is properly disposed of.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone involved.

We are providing a concession opportunity for a high-quality beverage and cold food concession at Coed y Brenin.

The one-year contract, with an option for a further year, will include the selling of beverages and pre-packed cold food and snacks such as sandwiches, cakes, chocolate and healthy snacks including fruit.

The concession can remain onsite during the period of the contract.

We welcome bids from people who want to promote our site and are aligned to NRW’s values and priorities.

We are keen for bids which consider environmental aspects and impacts associated with the concession such as options for clean power generation and reducing resource use.

More information is available in a document linked at the bottom of this page.

If you are interested, please get in touch with us at ymgysylltu.masnachol@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.

The strict deadline for submitting tender bids is 5pm on 30 April 2025.

We are aware we have not communicated recently on the next steps for Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin visitor centres after retail and catering provision ceases on March 31.

We are currently finalising, via our governance processes, how and when we will go to market for opportunities to help run these services.

We expect, subject to everything running smoothly, to be able to communicate more information in early April.

We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we know many of you are keen, either as a potential bidder or a user, to understand what is coming next.

As stated during our public meetings late last year, we want to make sure we get it right to avoid confusion and any potential issues in the future and we believe it is important to take the necessary time now for a smooth process later on.

We have provided recent updates for Ynyslas Visitor Centre regarding a concession opportunity for a mobile refreshment unit and tenders for the provision of full-time site management for the beach car park.

We have recently promoted a concession opportunity for a mobile refreshment unit offering ice cream and hot and cold drinks at Ynyslas, within our Dyfi National Nature Reserve, from April to September 2025.

We would like to thank all those who contacted us while this opportunity was open, and we will be providing more details to those who responded in due course.

Diogel have been awarded a contract for one year, with a possible extension of up to three years, to provide full-time site management for the beach car park at Ynyslas Visitor Centre.

Parking fees will be agreed in discussion with NRW.

There are no changes to the free parking for residents who live within the qualifying area.

Has the Visitor Centre ceased operating retail and catering?

Yes, on 31 March NRW ceased retail and catering services at the Visitor Centre.

The site and all our paths, trails, car parks and play areas remain open and we will continue to maintain our sites to ensure public access continues. Further visitor information can be found on our website.

How and when was the decision made to stop retail and catering provision at the Visitor Centres?

Last year NRW underwent a review to ensure we are better equipped to deliver our Corporate Plan’s objectives to support nature’s recovery, tackle climate change and minimise pollution. The review considered what NRW can and should continue doing, what should be scaled back and what should stop in order to meet a revised budget reduction of £12 million.

Following extensive consultation with Trade Unions and staff, on 5 November the NRW Board met and agreed to implement key changes to meet those budgetary challenges, whilst continuing to fulfil the missions set out in our Corporate Plan.

The decision was that NRW will no longer directly operate catering and retail provision at Visitor Centres. We will instead look for partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing these services moving forward.

What information was used to reach the conclusions in the Case for Change?

NRW’s Board approved the case for change following extensive consultation with the Trade Unions and their members alongside engagement with staff through our leadership teams.

As part of preparing the case for change Leadership Team members undertook extensive assessment of the risks and impacts of all the activities that we undertake, understanding their legal basis and contribution to the outcomes in the corporate plan and term of Government Remit letter.

The NRW response to Trade Union feedback following the consultation can be found online: Case for Change - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space.

Who is responsible for maintaining the site?

Our Visitor Centre staff were not responsible for managing the land in and around the Centres, this is the responsibility of land management staff who are supported by other teams within NRW.

At Ynyslas we are fully committed to ensuring that the work carried out to protect the wildlife and natural environment at Dyfi National Nature Reserve continues. Our land management team will continue with the management of the nature reserve to fulfil our statutory obligations.

We have accepted that there are some things that will no longer be available or will have to change because of the Case for Change. However, the continuation of the nature reserve and the conservation of the local environment remains our priority.

The NNR will continue to be managed in line with the other NNRs we manage across Wales. 

Who is responsible for safety on the site?

Visitors to all our sites are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with them during their visit. Further information can be found on our website: Natural Resources Wales / Visiting our places safely. In the event of an emergency, you should always call 999.

Ynyslas is a red flag beach and is clearly labelled as such; signs are posted prominently along the beach and estuary advising the public of the dangers.

In respect of WW2 ordnances, there are warning signs in place around the Ynyslas site along with pictures of the ordnance types that have been found, advising people to contact the emergency services if they come across one. If an ordnance is reported, our Incident team will arrange for the area to be cordoned off and it will be treated as a priority incident. There is a 24/7 incident rota to ensure swift response, should attendance or other action be necessary. 

Will toilet facilities still be open to visitors?

Yes, toilet facilities remain accessible and open to the public.

Will there be any catering provision at the  site now that retails and catering are no longer operating?

We are in discussion with an applicant for a temporary ice cream and beverage concession and hope to have everything in place as soon as possible.

How will you deter anti-social behaviour?

Land Management staff will continue to be a presence on site and therefore able to monitor any undesirable behaviour. CCTV cameras are already in place and the new ANPR system in the car park will give us greater control and awareness of who is travelling on to the site.

Access to the site won’t change and is still open to visitors as normal. As in most settings the presence of other members of the public acts as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

Visitors are reminded that their litter or waste is their responsibility, and we urge the public to follow the guidelines set out in the Countryside Code and to leave no trace of their visits.

We encourage visitors to report incidents to us on 0300 065 3000, our 24 hour incident line , so we can alert our network of land managers with a 24/7 incident rota in place. Incidents can also be reported online via our website: Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident

Can I make a booking to use the Visitor Centre?

Until we have explored the proposal we have received as a result of the Expression of Interest process in full, we will not be taking general bookings for use of the building, however we will continue to review the status of this as the process progresses.

Why is NRW taking a different approach with Ynyslas than Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin?

Ynyslas is unique as it forms part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve (NNR). The estuary has vast areas of internationally important mudflats, sandbanks and saltmarsh that provide feeding and roosting areas for wetland birds. As such, Ynyslas has specific statutory needs and requirements of which protecting the NNR is priority. This will include retaining an onsite office for land management staff. Ynyslas’ Visitor Centre is different to both Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin in that there is no catering provision to replace.

In January we put forward Ynyslas Visitor Centre solely for community use via an Expression of Interest process. We are currently in discussion with an applicant and will update this page as and when there is further information to report. 

Are the accounts for the Visitor Centres available to view?

Yes, the accounts for each of the Visitor Centres for the financial year 2023-24 are available in a spreadsheet linked at the bottom of this page.

What considerations were made in the Case for Change of the impacts on local communities and the tourism sector in Wales?

NRW is not a tourism organisation. The purpose of NRW, as set out in the Environment (Wales) Act, is the sustainable management of natural resources in relation to Wales, with NRW’s strategic objectives set out in the term of government remit letter which is available to view online: Natural Resources Wales: Term of Government remit letter 2022 to 2026.

The Case for Change was conducted in response to financial pressures which have required us to streamline our activities and concentrate resources on delivering those essential services more aligned with NRW’s statutory responsibilities.

The Welsh Government’s draft budget shows NRW will receive an extra £7.6 million for 2025-2026, can’t this be used to keep retail and catering provision open?

NRW has an important role to play in tackling the intrinsically linked nature and climate emergencies, and we’re pleased to see these critical issues placed at the heart of the Welsh Government’s draft budget.

This year’s draft budget is positive news for NRW. The increased funding of just over £7.6m reflects the importance of the work we do and the government’s recognition of the value we deliver.

This indicative budget provides us with the opportunity to plan effectively for the year ahead, aligning our efforts with Ministerial priorities while advancing our own objectives. We are pleased with the settlement, which reflects recognition of our critical work, but we are also mindful of the challenges that lie ahead as we navigate evolving demands and pressures.

This settlement does not alter our agreed decisions to cease or scale back certain activities under the Case for Change, the funding will be strategically directed toward the identified investment areas. This approach ensures we remain focused on achieving the ambitions outlined in our Corporate Plan to 2030.

If I have questions about the Visitor Centres changes, how can I ask NRW?

Any questions about to the Case for Change process in relation to the Visitor Centres should be directed via email to ymgysylltu.masnachol@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Has the Visitor Centre ceased operating retail and catering?

Yes, on 31 March NRW ceased retail and catering services at the Visitor Centre.

The site and all our paths, trails, car park and play area remain open and we will continue to maintain our sites to ensure public access continues. Further visitor information can be found on our website.

Will Red Kite feeding continue?

Feeding of the red kites at Bwlch Nant yr Arian will continue, please see the Bwlch Nant yr Arian webpage for further information: Natural Resources Wales / Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, near Aberystwyth

Will toilet facilities still be open to visitors?

Yes, toilet facilities will be accessible and open to the public.

Will there be any catering provision at the  site now that retails and catering are no longer operating?

Following a procurement process we are in discussion with an applicant for a temporary ice cream and beverage concession and hope to have everything in place as soon as possible.

Who is responsible for maintaining the site?

Our Visitor Centre staff were not responsible for managing the land in and around the Centres, this is the responsibility of the Land Management staff. The conservation and upkeep of these sites, including public access, is important to NRW. 

NRW will continue to carry out its statutory duties as a land manager for the Welsh Government Woodland Estate at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin.

What will happen with the bike trails at Bwlch Nant yr Arian ?

Bike trails at Bwlch Nant yr Arian will continue to be maintained by NRW through their allocated maintenance budgets for the next financial year. Although there will be changes to the Recreation Team as part of the Case for Change, Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a priority site and therefore will continue to be supported. Public access to these sites will be maintained for a range of outdoor activities, not just mountain biking. Recreation provision could be included in any final market offer; however, no decision has been taken on that at this stage.

Who is responsible for safety on the site?

Visitors to all our sites, including the three visitor centres, are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with them during their visit. Further information can be found on our website: Natural Resources Wales / Visiting our places safely.

In the event of an emergency, you should always call 999.

How will you deter anti-social behaviour?

Land Management staff will continue to be a presence on site and therefore able to monitor any undesirable behaviour.

CCTV cameras are already in place and the new ANPR system in the car park, which will be installed in a few months' time, will give us greater control and awareness of who is travelling on to the site.

Access to the site won’t change and is still open to visitors as normal. As in most settings the presence of other members of the public acts as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

Visitors are reminded that their litter or waste is their responsibility, and we urge the public to follow the guidelines set out in the Countryside Code and to leave no trace of their visits.

 We encourage visitors to report incidents to us on 0300 065 3000, our 24 hour incident line , so we can alert our network of land managers with a 24/7 incident rota in place. Incidents can also be reported online via our website: Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident

How will the new car park charging system work?

The new system, when introduced, will allow local users to manage and register for free parking via an app. Other users will be able to purchase seasonal tickets and timed tariffs, with those who visit for shorter periods paying less.  Customers will still be able to make payments via the machines on site, via telephone and by an app and users will have a 24-hour grace period after their visit to pay.

This new system of ANPR cameras will replace the older, less reliable car counters and ensures we can remove and replace outdated mechanical equipment at our sites in Newborough and Coed Y Brenin, including removing maintenance contracts.

When will the tendering process for Bwlch Nant yr Arian start and what is the process?

To ensure fairness and parity, no proposals will be considered in advance of the start of any public tender, and we will provide more details of this process, including the start date, in due course. 

The process will be conducted via the Sell2Wales website and those interested can register on the platform in advance of any process starting.

Our priority is finding partners who can work with us to make Bwlch Nant Yr Arian a thriving hub with a long-term sustainable future. Ensuring that we find the right partner for the right site is essential but to do this we need time to clarify and make sure that we are delivering the greatest value for users, local businesses and communities.    

What will the procurement criteria be for Bwlch Nant yr Arian?

We are now firmly focused on the process of finding partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing services moving forward.

We are currently finalising how and when we will go to the market for these opportunities, and we hope to communicate more information soon.

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we know you are keen to know what is coming next. But we want to make sure we get it right to avoid potential issues in the future and ensure the best outcome for visitors, local businesses and the community.

Will the new operators of Bwlch Nant yr Arian be required to maintain the Visitor Centre buildings as part of their contracts?

We are taking the time to consider what our offer to the market will be to ensure we get the right partner who will deliver greatest value for users, local businesses and communities.

No decision about future maintenance of the buildings has been taken, however it’s likely this will form part of contract negotiations during the procurement process.

Are the accounts for the Visitor Centres available to view?

Yes, the accounts for each of the Visitor Centres for the financial year 2023-24 are available in a spreadsheet linked at the bottom of this page.

How and when was the decision made to stop retail and catering provision at the Visitor Centres?

Last year NRW has underwent a review to ensure we are better equipped to deliver our Corporate Plan’s objectives to support nature’s recovery, tackle climate change and minimise pollution. The review considered what NRW can and should continue doing, what should be scaled back and what should stop in order to meet a revised budget reduction of £12 million.

Following extensive consultation with Trade Unions and staff, on 5 November the NRW Board met and agreed to implement key changes to meet those budgetary challenges, whilst continuing to fulfil the missions set out in our Corporate Plan.

The decision was that NRW will no longer directly operate catering and retail provision at Visitor Centres. We will instead look for partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing these services moving forward.

What information was used to reach the conclusions in the Case for Change?

NRW’s Board approved the case for change following extensive consultation with the Trade Unions and their members alongside engagement with staff through our leadership teams. As part of preparing the case for change Leadership Team members undertook extensive assessment of the risks and impacts of all the activities that we undertake, understanding their legal basis and contribution to the outcomes in the corporate plan and term of Government Remit letter.

The NRW response to Trade Union feedback following the consultation can be found online: Case for Change - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space.

What considerations were made in the Case for Change of the impacts on local communities and the tourism sector in Wales?

NRW is not a tourism organisation. The purpose of NRW, as set out in the Environment (Wales) Act, is the sustainable management of natural resources in relation to Wales, with NRW’s strategic objectives set out in the term of government remit letter which is available to view online: Natural Resources Wales: Term of Government remit letter 2022 to 2026.

The Case for Change was conducted in response to financial pressures which have required us to streamline our activities and concentrate resources on delivering those essential services more aligned with NRW’s statutory responsibilities.

The Welsh Government’s draft budget shows NRW will receive an extra £7.6 million for 2025-2026, can’t this be used to keep retail and catering provision open?

NRW has an important role to play in tackling the intrinsically linked nature and climate emergencies, and we’re pleased to see these critical issues placed at the heart of the Welsh Government’s draft budget.

This year’s draft budget is positive news for NRW. The increased funding of just over £7.6 million reflects the importance of the work we do and the government’s recognition of the value we deliver.

This indicative budget provides us with the opportunity to plan effectively for the year ahead, aligning our efforts with Ministerial priorities while advancing our own objectives. We are pleased with the settlement, which reflects recognition of our critical work, but we are also mindful of the challenges that lie ahead as we navigate evolving demands and pressures.

This settlement does not alter our agreed decisions to cease or scale back certain activities under the Case for Change, the funding will be strategically directed toward the identified investment areas. This approach ensures we remain focused on achieving the ambitions outlined in our Corporate Plan to 2030.

If I have questions about the Visitor Centres changes, how can I ask NRW?

Any questions about to the Case for Change process in relation to the Visitor Centres should be directed via email to ymgysylltu.masnachol@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Has the Visitor Centre ceased operating retail and catering?

Yes, on 31 March NRW ceased retail and catering services at the Visitor Centre.

The site and all our paths, trails, car park and play area remain open and we will continue to maintain our sites to ensure public access continues. Further visitor information can be found on our website.

Will toilet facilities still be open to visitors?

Yes, toilet facilities will be accessible and open to the public.

Now the Visitor Centre has closed who is responsible for maintaining the site?

Visitor Centre staff were not responsible for managing the land in and around the Centres, this is the responsibility of our Land Management staff. The conservation and upkeep of these sites, including public access, is important to NRW. 

NRW will continue to carry out its statutory duties as a land manager for the Welsh Government Woodland Estate at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin.

What will happen with the bike trails at Coed y Brenin?

Bike trails at Coed y Brenin will continue to be maintained by NRW through their allocated maintenance budgets for the next financial year. Although there will be changes to the Recreation Team as part of the Case for Change, Coed y Brenin are priority sites and therefore will continue to be supported.

Public access to these sites will be maintained for a range of outdoor activity, not just mountain biking. Recreation provision could be included in any final market offer; however, no decision has been taken on that at this stage.

Who will be responsible for safety on the site?

Visitors to all our sites, including the three visitor centres, are responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with them during their visit. Further information can be found on our website: Natural Resources Wales / Visiting our places safely.

In the event of an emergency, you should always call 999.

Will there be temporary catering provision on site now the  Visitor Centre has ceased its provision?

We are currently advertising to the market an opportunity  to supply an interim concession service of hot drinks at Coed y Brenin. It is anticipated that this concession service would remain in place until new operators for the Visitor Centre is found. More information on how to submit a bid can be found on this webpage.

How will you deter anti-social behaviour?

Land Management staff will continue to be a presence on site and therefore able to monitor any undesirable behaviour.

CCTV cameras are already in place and the new ANPR system in the car park, which will be installed in a few months' time, will give us greater control and awareness of who is travelling on to the site.

Visitors are reminded that their litter or waste is their responsibility, and we urge the public to follow the guidelines set out in the Countryside Code and to leave no trace of their visits.

 We encourage visitors to report incidents to us on 0300 065 3000, our 24 hour incident line , so we can alert our network of land managers with a 24/7 incident rota in place. Incidents can also be reported online via our website: Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident

Access to the site won’t change and is still open to visitors as normal. As in most settings the presence of other members of the public acts as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

How will the new car park charging system work?

The new system will allow local users to manage and register for free parking via an app. Other users will be able to purchase seasonal tickets and timed tariffs, with those who visit for shorter periods paying less.  Customers will still be able to make payments via the machines on site, via telephone and by an app and users will have a 24-hour grace period after their visit to pay.

This new system of ANPR cameras will replace the older, less reliable car counters and ensures we can remove and replace outdated mechanical equipment at our sites in Newborough and Coed Y Brenin, including removing maintenance contracts.

When will the tendering process for Coed y Brenin start and what is the process?

To ensure fairness and parity, no proposals will be considered in advance of the start of any public tender, and we will provide more details of this process, including the start date, in due course. 

The process will be conducted via the Sell2Wales website and those interested can register on the platform in advance of any process starting.

Our priority is finding partners who can work with us to make Coed y Brenin thriving hubs with a long-term sustainable future. Ensuring that we find the right partner for the right site is essential but to do this we need time to clarify and make sure that we are delivering the greatest value for users, local businesses and communities.    

What will the procurement criteria be for Coed y Brenin?

We are now firmly focused on the process of finding partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing services moving forward.

We are currently finalising how and when we will go to the market for these opportunities, and we hope to communicate more information soon.

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we know you are keen to know what is coming next. But we want to make sure we get it right to avoid potential issues in the future and ensure the best outcome for visitors, local businesses and the community.

Will the new operators of Coed y Brenin be required to maintain the Visitor Centre buildings as part of their contracts?

We are taking the time to consider what our offer to the market will be to ensure we get the right partner who will deliver greatest value for users, local businesses and communities.

No decision about future maintenance of the buildings has been taken, however it’s likely this will form part of contract negotiations during the procurement process.

Are the accounts for the Visitor Centres available to view?

Yes, the accounts for each of the Visitor Centres for the financial year 2023-24 are available in a spreadsheet linked at the bottom of this page.

How and when was the decision made to stop retail and catering provision at the Visitor Centres?

Last Year NRW has underwent a review to ensure we are better equipped to deliver our Corporate Plan’s objectives to support nature’s recovery, tackle climate change and minimise pollution. The review considered what NRW can and should continue doing, what should be scaled back and what should stop in order to meet a revised budget reduction of £12 million.

Following extensive consultation with Trade Unions and staff, on 5 November the NRW Board met and agreed to implement key changes to meet those budgetary challenges, whilst continuing to fulfil the missions set out in our Corporate Plan.

The decision was that NRW will no longer directly operate catering and retail provision at Visitor Centres. We will instead look for partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing these services moving forward.

What information was used to reach the conclusions in the Case for Change?

NRW’s Board approved the case for change following extensive consultation with the Trade Unions and their members alongside engagement with staff through our leadership teams.

As part of preparing the case for change Leadership Team members undertook extensive assessment of the risks and impacts of all the activities that we undertake, understanding their legal basis and contribution to the outcomes in the corporate plan and term of Government Remit letter.

The NRW response to Trade Union feedback following the consultation can be found online: Case for Change - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space.

What considerations were made in the Case for Change of the impacts on local communities and the tourism sector in Wales?

NRW is not a tourism organisation. The purpose of NRW, as set out in the Environment (Wales) Act, is the sustainable management of natural resources in relation to Wales, with NRW’s strategic objectives set out in the term of government remit letter which is available to view online: Natural Resources Wales: Term of Government remit letter 2022 to 2026.

The Case for Change was conducted in response to financial pressures which have required us to streamline our activities and concentrate resources on delivering those essential services more aligned with NRW’s statutory responsibilities.

The Welsh Government’s draft budget shows NRW will receive an extra £7.6 million for 2025-2026, can’t this be used to keep retail and catering provision open?

NRW has an important role to play in tackling the intrinsically linked nature and climate emergencies, and we’re pleased to see these critical issues placed at the heart of the Welsh Government’s draft budget.

This year’s draft budget is positive news for NRW. The increased funding of just over £7.6m reflects the importance of the work we do and the government’s recognition of the value we deliver.

This indicative budget provides us with the opportunity to plan effectively for the year ahead, aligning our efforts with Ministerial priorities while advancing our own objectives. We are pleased with the settlement, which reflects recognition of our critical work, but we are also mindful of the challenges that lie ahead as we navigate evolving demands and pressures.

This settlement does not alter our agreed decisions to cease or scale back certain activities under the Case for Change, the funding will be strategically directed toward the identified investment areas. This approach ensures we remain focused on achieving the ambitions outlined in our Corporate Plan to 2030.

If I have questions about the Visitor Centres changes, how can I ask NRW?

Any questions about to the Case for Change process in relation to the Visitor Centres should be directed via email to ymgysylltu.masnachol@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

We would like to thank everyone who was able to attend the public meetings regarding the future of our visitor centres.

We would also like to thank those who have been in touch with additional questions and requests for further meetings, we are grateful for your interest and passion with regards to these sites and we are considering all the feedback which has been very useful.

Drop-in sessions have been held to give members of the community the latest information on the future of Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Ynyslas and Coed y Brenin visitor centres.

We would like to thank everyone who attended.

The drop-in sessions took place on:

Wednesday, January 8 between 10am and 3pm at Welsh Government offices, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, SY23 3UR.

Monday, January 13 between 10am and 3pm at Coed Y Brenin Visitor Centre, Dolgefeiliau, Dolgellau LL40 2HZ.

Monday, January 20 between 10am and 3pm at Welsh Government offices, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, SY23 3UR.

Friday, January 24 between 10am and 3pm at Coed Y Brenin Visitor Centre, Dolgefeiliau, Dolgellau LL40 2HZ.

We are planning on holding further public drop-in sessions in the future.

The expression of interest process for the community use of Ynyslas Visitor Centre has now finished.

We are considering the submissions and will notify interested parties as soon as possible.

We will continue to keep this page updated as the process continues.

The Sell2Wales website is an information source and procurement portal set up by the Welsh Government to help: 

• businesses win contracts with the public sector across Wales
• public sector buyers to advertise and manage tender opportunities 
• businesses promote their services 
• businesses find contract opportunities

You can find out more at Sell2Wales: Welcome to Sell2Wales